Home Care After a Tooth Extraction

When a child loses their baby teeth, it’s a rite of passage. For adults, losing teeth is a different story. While having a tooth extraction probably isn’t at the top of your oral health goals, it’s often necessary to restore the health of a damaged smile. At Walnut Creek Dental East, our compassionate team is here to make sure that your tooth extraction goes as smoothly as possible should you need one. Check out these steps for recovering at home after having a tooth removed.

What Can I Eat After a Tooth Extraction?

You’re certainly permitted to eat after having a tooth extracted, however, it’s important to consider what types of food you’re consuming. For the first few days, it’s best to stick with soft foods that don’t require much chewing, such as yogurt, soup, smoothies, and scrambled eggs. It’s also a good idea to avoid anything spicy, crunchy, or acidic for about a week until the incision site has healed. 

Can I Smoke After a Tooth Extraction?

Smoking cigarettes can inhibit your incision site from healing properly. Because of this, it’s necessary to stop smoking for at least 24 hours after your tooth extraction, but 72 hours is ideal.

How Else Can I Care for My Mouth After a Tooth Extraction?

How you care for your incision site at home can help the healing process from your tooth extraction go as smoothly and comfortably as possible. Here are some ways to care for your mouth at home after having a tooth pulled:

• Rest during the first 24 hours after your procedure
• Bite down on the piece of gauze in the first few hours after the procedure to prevent bleeding and help the blood clot form
• Don’t use a straw or spit for at least 24 hours
• Gently rinse your mouth with salt water three times a day and after eating to prevent infection
• Carefully brush and floss your teeth after 24 hours, being sure to avoid the incision site until it has healed

What Can I Do to Prevent Pain After a Tooth Extraction?

The first few days after a dental extraction can be uncomfortable. Holding ice packs to the affected location in 10-minute increments during the first 24 hours can help minimize discomfort and swelling. To prevent and manage pain while your mouth heals, be sure to take the pain medications prescribed by your dentist. If you have questions or concerns about the pain medications you’ve been given, please don’t hesitate to contact our office.

What Should I Do If I’m Experiencing Severe Pain After a Tooth Extraction?

Side effects, such as severe pain, bleeding, swelling, or fever, are rare but can happen. If you experience severe pain or any other concerning symptoms after your extraction, please contact our office right away. One of our trusted dentists will be happy to examine the incision site to ensure that it is healing properly and take steps to keep your pain under control.

Schedule Your Consultation at Walnut Creek Dental East

Recovering from a tooth extraction may be inconvenient, but it doesn’t have to be unbearable. With these tips and support from the knowledgeable team at Walnut Creek Dental East in Groveport, OH, you’ll be well-prepared to have a safe and smooth healing experience from your extraction procedure. We are proud to offer professional, friendly dental care to every patient we have the pleasure of assisting. If you have a decayed or damaged tooth, don’t wait to schedule your next dental appointment. Contact us today for your consultation. We can’t wait to give you a reason to smile!